Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car stroller and seat combos almost seem to connect themselves. "Look for the base and the carrier that snap together easily," advises Stanton. This helps reduce the risk of errors during installation and removal.
One option that accomplishes this is the Doona, which seamlessly transforms from a car seat into a stroller, and also helps to free up space in the trunk. Online reviews praise the Doona's functionality and ease of use, however, they also appreciate its sturdy feel.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don't want to switch between strollers and car seats often find a combination of both appealing. It's also an ideal choice for those who frequently use public transportation or rideshares and for parents who change caregivers. "These are a single item and the wheels are connected to the car seat, meaning they're more easily mobile," says Stanton. However, 2 in 1 pram pushchair adds that it's crucial to make sure the car seat is securely secured when it's used with an electronic travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and the owner's manual for your vehicle to ensure that the seat is secure she advises.
In our tests, the top stroller-car seat combos have an easy click-in connection which requires little effort, other than moving the carrier from one location to another. They scored better than those with more complicated connections, since they require less pressure and provide less chance of making errors (intentional or accidental). For instance, we like that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple drop-in attachment that has no straps--and that there's an indicator on the car seat base that shows when it is properly leveled.
The Doona All-in One Infant Car Seat Stroller it's also simple to install and transfer from the car to the stroller. It's a seamless transformation that allows extra trunk space for shopping and errands. It also has a swivel front wheel that provides an excellent maneuverability even when the seat is attached.
Another option is the Britax B-Lively & B-Safe Gen2 Travel System, which has springy suspension and an enormous, one-hand-folding chassis that can be easily stored. It has a big basket, as well as plenty of cups to hold snacks, drinks, and baby equipment. The padded seat is comfortable for long rides and the tagless smooth-touch fabric is machine washable. It is FAA-approved, and comes with a safety strap that locks beneath or around your baby's shoulders. It also comes with a SafeCell Crumple Zone to protect them if they are in an accident.
A great travel system should also be easy to push and, in our top picks, all have rubber tires that have only a single, swivel rear wheel that can be used to navigate busy sidewalks and streets. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 Combo all glide smoothly and have convenient features, such as one-hand braking and a spacious storage basket.
Easy to Store
Car seat stroller combos are a great choice for parents who wish to keep their child as comfortable as they can, whether they're running errands or going on an excursion with the family. Combinations of car seats and strollers are generally simpler to maneuver than individual pieces, and many models have convenient features that help them stand out from the competition. It is important to note that the car seat and stroller need to be compatible in order to work. The manufacturer of the car seat should give guidelines on what kinds of strollers are compatible with their product A quick internet search will help to narrow your choices.
Certain strollers and car seats have an immediate attachment that snaps into position without the need for straps or complicated assembly. This kind of simple attachment is a major benefit for families who frequently take public transport or ride-share vehicles. The Doona is a good example. It is an FAA-approved infant car seat that is able to transform into a stroller at the click of one button. This is a huge time saver and allows you to avoid having a stroller checked on airplanes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your baby) or to get in and out of taxis.
Other car seat and stroller combinations, like the Nuna TRVL, allow parents to take the infant car seat from the stroller base and easily fold it into a compact unit that can be stored inside the trunk of a car. This is a great feature for busy parents. The stroller itself features a sleek design and premium fabrics, as well as smart touches like a built-in canopy with a drape that can protect babies who are asleep.
Ultimately, the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will depend on your lifestyle and plans for growth and your budget. The most affordable models are likely to be frame strollers which can fit a child car seat with a small amount of space. Higher-end combos will include a toddler seat, a twin strollers, or more advanced features. You can be sure that the stroller is compliant with all safety standards.
Easy to Carry
Car seat/stroller combos are excellent option for families that wish to avoid having to check gate-check an infant car seat on airlines They're also great for people who use public transportation and ride-shares frequently. These strollers and cars seats are easy to transport and are perfect for parents who prefer their hands off when traveling with their children.
Look for a lightweight and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These models are more comfortable to use and are more easy to push across different terrains. In addition, the smaller frame can make it easier to get the car seat into and out of a trunk or at the rear of a vehicle.
A few of the most well-known and highly rated car seats/strollers combinations are light, compact and come with wheels that fold to make it easy to store. The Cosco Finale 2-in-1 for instance is a standard seat that can be converted into an infant booster when the child no more requires an infant carrier. It's lightweight (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps which are relatively easy to use.
The Doona is a second 2 in 1 car seat/stroller that's worth mentioning. It's an exceptional piece of equipment due to the fact that it can be converted from a rear facing infant car seat to a stroller by simply clicking the button. This allows you to skip the step of removing the seat from the base and makes it easier to navigate stairs or hop in and out of taxis without having to stow the car seat.
The Doona is a budget-friendly choice, which is especially appealing to parents who are just starting out. It's less than the cost of a year's gym membership, and it provides new parents with peace of mind that they have safe travel gear for their infant.
Many families choose two-piece stroller/car seat systems in the event that they have decided on a specific type of infant carrier or plans to have several children. If this is the case, be sure you read the product specifications to ensure that your stroller and car seats will work together. Consider purchasing an adapter to fit the combination you want.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are a great option for parents who want a single piece of baby equipment that can handle multiple functions. They can easily convert from a car seat to a stroller, and vice versa. They are also more easy to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. Stanton says they're made to be lighter and more portable. "They contain a lot fewer moving components, which makes them easier to fold, carry and use."
These car seats and strollers for infants are lighter than the two-piece options and can be easily carried in trunks that are small. These strollers and infant car seats tend to be lighter and come with more useful features, such as cup holders and sun shades. Some models even have a swivel front wheel that is ideal for navigating streets and stores.
Some brands, such as Doona offer a stroller as well as an infant car seat that can be used together. They are particularly useful for parents who use rideshares or public transportation, or who change caregivers frequently. This model is essentially an automobile seat that is rear-facing on wheels. The wheels drop down to become an infant stroller when you decide to use it.
Other brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to insert the car seat and then unfold it into a stroller. This model isn't as sleek as Doona however, you can remove the car seat without having to click into the base.
Check if the stroller and infant car seat combination you are considering can accommodate your preferred brand of car seat. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, then you can anticipate a longer-lasting product as it will work with your child even after they have outgrown the car seats for infants.
It's also important to be aware that some car seat and stroller combos don't perform well in our ease-of-use tests. This could be due to a design that makes it difficult or inconvenient to use steps, or the weight of the stroller and car seat could make it difficult to push across different terrains. In either case, it's worth checking out our full reviews to determine the best option for you.